Kailua-Kona

Kona - The island’s visitor hub has sportfishing, prime diving, spectacular sunsets, shopping galore and coffee that packs a punch.

Kona is famous for sportfishing, snorkeling, sunsets and coffee. It means “leeward” in Hawaiian and stretches along the isle’s west side. The heartbeat of Kona is the village of Kailua where stores and restaurants on Alii Drive weave among impressive historical landmarks. Kona is home to the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament and Ironman Triathlon World Championship; find souvenirs year-round. Ocean activities depart from Kailua Pier, Honokohau Marina and Keauhou Bay.

Every restaurant has fresh fish and Kona coffee on the menu; be sure to try both. Kona coffee is grown on the cool mountain slopes along Highways 180 and 11. Take a drive on the Kona Coffee Belt where you’ll see processing mills and farms. Take a Kona Coffee Country Driving Tour; get a free brochure at hotel desks and the HVB office.

WEST SIDE TOP TO DO
SHOP AND DINE:
•Along Alii Drive in Kailua village
•Keauhou Shopping Center (Map B:inset)
WATCH SUNSET:
•Oceanfront lawn Kona Inn Shopping Village
DINING
•Huggo’s (808)329-1493
•Jameson’s, (808)329-3195
•Denny’s, (808)334-1313
•Wendy’s at Keauhou Shop, (808)322-8081

PHOTO OPS
•Ahuena Heiau, Kailua
•Trophy fish inside King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Kailua
•Mokuaikaua Church and Hulihee Palace, Kailua
•Sadie Seymour Garden
•St. Peter’s Catholic Church
•St. Benedict’s Painted Church

LEARN SOME HAWAIIAN
heiau: (Hay-ow) temple
imu: (EE-moo) under-ground oven at luau
kane: (Kah-nay) man
keiki: (Kay-kee) child
kokua: (koh-KOO-ah) help
mahalo: (mah-HAH-low) thank you
makai: (mah-KA-EE) toward the sea
mauka: (MAU-kah) toward the mountain
pupu: (poo-poo) snack
wahine: (wah-HEE-nay) woman